Top 10 Cats To Own & Why

/in /by

We all need some guidance when searching for any new pet, and it is vital that you take a moment to figure out what animal would best suit your lifestyle. Whether it is a large, boisterous family that may already have many pets or if you are looking for a quiet companion, there are a number of different cat breeds to consider. It is always best to take a look at what the animal’s needs are before making a commitment to being a pet parent. Speak with your veterinarian for some guidance before adopting. If you are looking for a pedigreed cat, below are the top 10 cats to consider for your new addition to your family.

1. Ragdoll Cats
The beautiful medium length silky haired cat with blue eyes will be waiting by the door for you to arrive home. This breed of cat wants to be with you, sit with you, sleep with you and may even play fetch. The soft-voiced cat is good with other animals and may also let your child dress him up in doll clothes and be pushed around in a stroller. This is one breed of cat that can be walked on a leash and makes a great travel companion. The affectionate breed of cat was developed in the 1960s by Ann Baker of Riverside, CA.

2. Maine Coon Cats
One of the oldest natural breeds in North America, dating back to the colonial period, the Maine Coon cat, named after the state of Maine, is one of the largest domestic cat breeds. These sweet and friendly gentle giants love their families and are not demanding of attention. You can recognize a Maine Coon cat by their long hair, ruffs at the neck, tufted feet, and bushy tails. These smooth coated cats are intelligent and independent while also showing much affection and playfulness. Besides for the regular meow and purr, the Maine Coon cat will speak to you with cheeps, chirps, and trills.

3. Sphynx Cats
The curious and affectionate sphynx cat is a medium size athletic cat with little or no hair. Weekly baths are vital since there is a lack of hair to absorb oils from their skin. If not properly groomed, they will produce a sticky build-up on their bodies and may develop skin problems. You may want to seek the guidance of your veterinarian regularly to make sure you are using the best products to keep your Sphynx healthy and happy. It goes without saying that these cats need a sweater in cold weather and can burn if exposed to too much sun. The good-natured sphynx gets along well with other animals and makes an enjoyable pet. While the sphynx is not hypoallergenic, they do secrete lower amounts of the allergen found in dander, so many people with pet allergies do not have issues with the sphynx.

4. Siamese Cats
One of the oldest and most famous breeds of domesticated cats, the Siamese cats date back to Thailand in the 1400s and were the most popular breed of cat in Europe and North America during the 19th century. Each purebred Siamese cat is born white and their coat colorings, or color points, are developed in the first few weeks after birth. The blue-eyed cats are one of the most talkative and intelligent breeds and will be happy to be your center of attention. If you have to leave your Siamese cat at home all day alone, you may want to consider getting another pet. Siamese cats get very lonely and sad if left alone too long. These cats are great with children, adults and other animals.

5. Exotic Shorthair
Developed in North America in the late 1950s, Exotic Shorthair cats are bred between the American Shorthair and the Persian. Nicknamed “the lazy man’s Persian” since he only has to be brushed once a week due to the shorter dense coat that comes in a variety of colors. The Exotic Shorthair has a rounded body, rounded eyes and rounded head with a flat nose and face. This soft-voiced undemanding cat may prefer to lay around all day, but can be lively when ready to play. This intelligent cat makes a great addition to any family, but it is vital he is shown a large amount of affection.

6. Birman
Also known as “the sacred cat of Burma” the Birman cats are color point cats, (born white and develop their colors as they mature) known for their silky medium to long hair coat, four whitegloved paws, and blue eyes. The cats have a muscular body and are considered medium to large sized cats. These beautiful cats don’t shed too much as long as they are combed twice weekly. Prone to periodontal disease, they will need toothbrushing or veterinary cleanings periodically. Calm and affectionate, they make loyal pets and get along well with children and other family pets. They are soft-spoken, refined and even-tempered. Be aware that they are helpful in whatever you are doing around the house.

7. Abyssinian
The Abyssinian breed is a domestic short-haired cat with a silky-smooth ticked coat which comes in a variety of colors. The medium-sized cat usually has a green or gold eye color. Keep in mind that while this affectionate purring cat loves to be cuddled, they are highly active and enjoy climbing. An Aby wants to be the only cat in the house but will be happy to share the spotlight with any dogs. Abys also do well with older children who will play respectfully with him. Due to their high level of activity, it is vital there is a lot of room to play. This is not an ideal cat for a small apartment or confined space.

8. Himalayan
The Himalayan breed is a mixed breed between Siamese and Persian cats created in the United States in the early 1930s. Because of the mixing, these cats have the coloring of Siamese, light with color point and blue eyes, and the long thick coat of glossy fine hair of a Persian cat. The beloved lap cat is kitten-like with lots of napping then suddenly there will be an outbreak of activity. As an owner of a Himalayan, you must pay extra attention to their diet since they are prone to obesity due to a lack of exercise. You may need to seek the guidance of your veterinarian to keep your Himmie healthy. Daily brushings will reduce shedding and matting. Himmies have a sweet personality and can be the ideal house cat. Calm is the key word with this breed of cat.

9. Persian
The Persian cat, the most popular pedigreed cat in North America, is a long hair medium size cat with a silky coat which comes in a variety of colors. Daily brushing will reduce shedding, mattes, and tangling. A Persian will also need his face wiped daily to keep away tear stains. While the Persian likes to play and is very curious, he is not a jumper or a climber. You will find this cat snuggling up with you or napping on his favorite chair in the sun, so it is important that he maintains his weight through a healthy diet. This breed of cat prefers a calm environment but can effortlessly adapt to a busy family as long as he is shown affection and respect.

10. American Shorthair
One of the most popular cat breeds in North America, the American Shorthair is the pedigreed version of the domestic shorthair. The muscular, medium-sized cats are considered “working” cats who like to hunt. The American shorthair comes in a large variety of colors and patterns and is one of the healthiest cat breeds living up to 20 years. These sociable cats enjoy other animals and attach themselves to all members of the family. American Shorthair cats are smart, trainable, playful and independent. Don’t be surprised when they prefer not to be carried around and like to cuddle next to you but not necessarily in your lap. The quiet communicators don’t speak very much, but they will let you know when something is needed and are fine to be left alone while you are at work. This is an uncomplicated cat to care for and makes a great companion.

With whichever breed of cat you choose, please keep your pet healthy and happy by following the guidance of your veterinarian. Regular check-ups and a good healthy diet will help your pet get the most out of life.

Article by Kristine Protopsaltis

Lower Sodium Intake Is Vital To Your Health & Life

/in /by

It is clearly more important than ever to get the right levels of vital nutrients into your system.

A report on part of a Global Burden of Disease Study showed that in 2017 there were 11 million people worldwide that died as a result of a poor diet. This makes unhealthy eating, and the lack of vital nutrients, a more deadly combination than smoking, which led to 10 million deaths over the same period.

The most interesting part of the study was that is showed that one in five deaths worldwide could be prevented if that person had a better diet. Obviously, not everyone in every country has that option due to a lack of available food containing the important vital nutrients. If, however, you are lucky enough to live in a part of the world where healthy, nutritious food is readily available, then it might be time to change up your diet to prevent yourself becoming a statistic in the future.

It is the low intake of healthy food and the high intake of unhealthy food that we can all change to put ourselves in position to lead longer and more fulfilling lives. Interestingly, the researchers found that it was the lack of healthy food intake, and therefore a lack of vital nutrients, that was the main problem as opposed to people simply eating too much junk food.

The key areas where people seem to be failing are when it comes to sodium (salt) intake and when it comes to eating whole grains and fruit. People tend to have way too much sodium in their diets, a result of relying on processed and prepackaged food, while also eating not enough whole grains and fresh fruit. While these can be expensive in some parts of the world, the vital nutrients that you receive by eating whole grains especially cannot be adequately supplemented through anything else in your diet.

When it comes to nutrition, this study places sugars and fats in an interesting new light. While they have been considered a leading cause of poor health in the past, this study suggests that high levels of sodium intake pose a much higher risk overall. While these are not considered vital nutrients, and while they should be lower down the list than grains and vegetables, this study suggests that sugars and fats are not the problem they have been in the past.

Overall the US ranked 43rd out of the 195 countries in the study with 171 diet caused deaths per 100,000 people. It is also interesting that countries with the Mediterranean diet, a diet long pushed for its health benefits, did have the best outcomes overall.

So, what does this mean for you?

Shifting to any kind of diet that cuts sodium intake is a must. Add in a healthy amount of grains from foods like pasta, bread, and rice, and then concentrate on eating fish and vegetables before ending with a good glass of wine. That is a delicious, and easy, way to start bringing more vital nutrients into your body and into your life.

 

Vital Information About The Types of Mortgage Loans

/in /by

Which loan is right for you?  We can help you decide . . .

We can help you determine which mortgage loan is right for you based on your time horizon, risk tolerance and overall financial situation.  Then work with lenders offering the following loans:

FHA Loans and Mortgages

An FHA loan is a mortgage loan that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).  Essentially, the federal government insures loans for FHA-approved lenders in order to reduce their risk of loss if a borrower defaults on their mortgage payments.

FHA 203k Loans:

The idea of buying a fixer-upper and turning it into your dream abode can seem so perfect — every nook and cranny just to your specifications!  The reality, however, can be harsh when you realize how much it will cost to remodel.

FHA Streamline Refinance Program

The FHA Streamline Refinance program is a special refinance program for people who have a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan.  It is the simplest and easiest way to refinance an FHA loan. Unlike a traditional refinance an FHA Streamline Refinance allows a borrower to refinance without having to verify their income and assets.

VA Loans

VA loans are home loans for the purchase of a primary residence available to consumers who have served or are presently serving in the U.S. military.  While the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not lend money for VA loans, it backs loans made by private lenders to veterans who qualify.

ARM Loans – 3, 5, 7 & 10 Year

An adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM, has an introductory interest rate that lasts a set period of time and adjusts thereafter for the remaining time period up to a total of 30 years.  After the set time period your interest rate will change and so will your monthly payment.

40- , 30-, 20-, 15- and 10-Year Fixed Mortgage

A fixed loan has a specific, fixed rate of interest that does not change during the course of the loan period.  The borrower will be required to repay the principal and interest on the loan throughout the loan period.

Second Mortgages

A second mortgage — also referred to as a home equity loan or home equity line of credit — is just what it sounds like: another (second) mortgage on your home.  Like with your original mortgage, your second mortgage is secured by your home, meaning that if you don’t pay the loan, the bank can take your home.

Zero Down Payment Loans

Buying a home and putting no money down to do it sounds appealing to many, but in reality it’s hard to get a zero down payment mortgage in this climate, as banks no longer offer them to most consumers.  Hard, however, doesn’t mean impossible.

Interest-Only Loans

With a traditional mortgage, buyers pay some part of the principal and interest with every monthly payment.  An interest-only mortgage loan works differently:  Borrowers are allowed to pay only the interest on the loan for a fixed period of time — usually five to seven years — and then must begin paying off the principal.

Home Equity Loans

With a home equity loan — also known as a second mortgage, term loan or equity loan — a mortgage lender lets a homeowner borrow money against the equity in his home.

No-Closing Cost Refinance

The lure of refinancing right now is powerful with interest rates hovering near historic lows. But there is a potential downside to refinancing:  The cost, as closing costs on a refinance typically run about $4,000.

What Is a Cash-Out Refinance?

A cash-out refinance is a refinancing of an existing mortgage loan, where the new mortgage loan is for a larger amount than the existing mortgage loan, and you (the borrower) get the difference between the two loans in cash.

VA IRRRL Refinance Loans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) helps homeowners refinance their existing VA loans to a lower interest rate loan or to a fixed-rate loan (from an adjustable-rate loan). The goal of the program is to help lower homeowners’ monthly payments or make payments more predictable by fixing the interest rate. Here’s what you need to know about VA IRRRL refinance loans.

Land Loans

Land loans come in all shapes and sizes and are unique compared to existing home loans. The purpose and current use of the land can dictate the terms of the loan.

Construction Loans

Construction loans are short-term loans that enable the construction of a project to completion. Upon completion, the permanent loan or “end financing” will be used to pay off the interim construction loan. The term on a construction loan is short duration of 6 months to a year.

FHA Loans vs. Conventional Loans

It may not always seem clear whether to apply for a FHA loan or conventional loan. FHA loans have typically been known as loans for first-time homebuyers, filled with extra paperwork and complexity since it’s a government-insured program.  But borrowers can use multiple FHA loans for purchasing or refinancing a home loan.  However, FHA loans may not be used for second homes or investment properties.

Home Improvement Loans

Homeowners can apply for home improvement loans for a variety of reasons, including remodeling, updating or making repairs to their home.  Loans can be issued for anything as simple as a roof repair, an update to an energy-efficient furnace or a new addition.

Physician Loans

Physician loans, also referred to as doctor loans, present a unique set of circumstances for lenders because new doctors do not have any work history and usually have a significant amount of student loan debt. This situation will typically prevent physicians from getting approved on any conforming conventional products, so many banks have developed special portfolio products to originate and service these types of loans. Along with taking a risk to accommodate these borrowers, there also comes reward. Below are a few reasons why banks have developed physician loans.

How To Make More Friends Than You Can Handle

/in /by

The first step to maintaining healthy friendships is to realize that you really do NEED friends.

Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived gave this vital guidance, “as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”  Proverbs 27:17

That means that we make each other better.  It seems pretty important to God that we have good friendships.  The Bible is full of examples of this.

Think about the amazing friendship of Jonathan and David.  Jonathan warned David that his life was in danger at the hands of Jonathan‘s own father, King Saul.  This warning allowed David to take action and avoid harm, and ultimately this act of true friendship allow David to take the throne.

Friends look out for each other.  They should have each other‘s back.  Your friends are the ones who will be there for you when everything in your life is falling apart.

The second step is to be friendly and willing to meet new people.  The Bible says, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly barbers . . .” Proverbs 18:24

Put a smile on your face, stick out your hand and meet new people.  Opportunities abound for making new friends if you’re willing to actively pursue new relationships. Get involved in a local church, join a social organization, volunteer at the local schools or another nonprofit organization. These are all great ways to meet new people and do good in the community at the same time.

The third step to building relationships is to make yourself vulnerable even at the risk of being rejected.  The reality is that not everyone is going to like you.  And, you are not going to like everyone.

Look for people with similar interests or a common background.  If you don’t connect with someone, just move on.  You will certainly find several good friends if you keep working towards making friends.

You will find a fourth step most helpful if you make it a natural part of your life: put others needs ahead of your home. The Bible gives this vital guidance:  “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourself, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4

Have you ever met people who want you to listen to all the details about their life but then they never bother to ask about yours?  Be interested in other people.  In humility don’t try to “one up” their stories.  Just listen, smile, and ask genuine questions. Get to know them.

If you want to make friends, it is vital that you get interested in other people.  Discover their story.  Dale Carnegie writes, “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people then you can make in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”

You might find it helpful to evaluate how you talk with other people.  Are you genuinely interested in others or does every conversation revolve around you?  Did you make yourself the hero of every story?  Do you find it necessary to talk about your successes and achievements?  Are you trying to impress people or relate to people?

If you really want to make friends, get interested in other people.  Learn about them.  Listen to their stories and ask questions.  If you listen and genuinely care about others, you’ll have more friends than you can handle in a short time.

Story by Timothy Neptune, lead pastor of Venture Church in Naples, FL.

 

How Does Your Employer’s Retirement Plan Compare?

/in /by

Each year, the Plan Sponsor Council of America (PSCA) surveys employers to gauge trends in retirement plan features and participation. These vital results are used by employers and plan participants to benchmark their plans against overall averages. How does your plan compare to the most recent survey results, released at the end of 2018?(1)

Participation and savings rates

Plan participation (that is, the percentage of participants contributing to the plan) was on the rise, increasing from 77% in 2010 to 85% in 2017. Employees in the financial, insurance and real estate, manufacturing, and technology and telecommunications sectors were most likely to contribute (more than 85% of eligible employees), while those in the transportation, utility, and energy sectors (75.6%) and wholesale distribution and retail trade sectors (59.7%) were least likely.

The average amount participants contributed to their plans rose from 6.2% of salary in 2010 to 7.1% in 2017. Participants in the health-care sector contributed the most (8.7%), while those in durable goods manufacturing contributed the least (6.3%).

Roth option on the rise

Roth contributions are growing in popularity among 401(k) plans. Unlike traditional pre-tax contributions that are deducted from a paycheck before income taxes are assessed, Roth contributions are made in after-tax dollars. The primary benefit is that “qualified” withdrawals from a Roth account are tax-free. A withdrawal is qualified if the account has been held for at least five years and it has been made after the participant reaches age 59½, dies, or becomes disabled.

The percentage of plans allowing participants to make Roth contributions rose from 45.5% in 2010 to nearly 70% in 2017. Almost 20% of eligible employees made Roth contributions.

Company contributions

Nearly all employers surveyed contributed to their employees’ plans through matching contributions, non-matching contributions, or a combination of both. And it appears that employers have become more generous over time, as the average company contribution rose from 3.5% in 2010 to 5.1% in 2017. Moreover, many employers impose a vesting schedule on their contributions through which plan participants earn the right to keep the company contributions over time. In 2017, less than 40% of companies allowed their employees to become immediately vested in the company contributions.

Investment options

When it comes to your retirement plan, how many options would you prefer on your investment menu? Too few funds could limit the opportunity for an appropriate level of diversification, while too many funds might cause an overwhelming decision-making process without the vital guidance. So what’s the “right” number?

According to an article in InvestmentNews, an appropriate number of investment options (typically mutual funds) is 15 to 20.(2) And according to the PSCA, employers seem to be following this guideline, as the average number of funds offered among survey respondents was 20.

The most common types of funds offered were indexed domestic equity funds (84.6% of plans), followed by actively managed domestic equity funds (83.6%), actively managed domestic bond funds (78.9%), and actively managed international/global equity funds (77.9%). Target-date funds — those that offer a diversified mix of different types of investments based on a participant’s target retirement date — were offered in 70.6% of plans.

Overall, the two most popular types of funds, based on percentage of assets invested, were target-date funds and actively managed domestic equity funds.(3)  Information from Broadridge Investor Communications Solutions, Inc.

1PSCA, 61st Annual Survey
2 InvestmentNews, February 16, 2018
3The return and principal value of mutual funds fluctuate with market conditions. Shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. A bond fund is a mutual fund that comprises mostly bonds and other debt instruments. The mix of bonds depends on each fund’s focus and stated objectives. Bond funds are subject to the same inflation, interest rate, and credit risks as their underlying bonds. As interest rates rise, bond prices typically fall, which can adversely affect a bond fund’s performance. Investing internationally carries additional risks such as differences in financial reporting, currency exchange risk, as well as economic and political risk unique to the specific country; this may result in greater share price volatility. The target date is the approximate date when an investor plans to withdraw money. The mix of investments in the target-date fund becomes more conservative as the date grows closer. The further away the date, the greater the risks the fund usually takes. The principal value is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date. There is no guarantee that a target-date fund will meet its stated objectives. It is important to note that no two target-date funds with the same target date are alike. Typically, they won’t have the same asset allocation, investment holdings, turnover rate, or glide path.

Study Reveals 10 Minutes Makes A Difference In Life

/in /by

It has been known for decades that exercising is one of the vital help factors in humans living a longer and healthier life. One aspect that experts have disagreed on, however, is just how much exercise needs to be put in play on a weekly basis for the benefits to be enjoyed.

While it remains true that more is usually better in regards to exercise, a British journal recently published a story that just 10 minutes of exercise a week is linked to a longer and more fruitful life.

This seems like it can’t be real on a number of levels.  The federal physical activity guidelines, for example, state that 75 minutes of vigorous exercise or 150 minutes of moderate exercise are needed for any benefits to be felt.  That is far more than the 10 minutes recommended by this survey, an amount of time that is shorter than one regular scene in Game of Thrones.

So can this level of exercise really be beneficial? Can it provide vital help to your body’s systems?  Will just 10 minutes of exercise be enough to help you live your life in a better way?

This study focused on an initial pool of 88,000 American adults who were between the ages of 40 and 85.  They were tracked by researchers for nine years during which time information was collected on the amount that each exercised.  That data was then correlated with any physical ailments that the subjects contracted to see how exercise affected life.

While the big takeaway will be that ANY exercise increases longevity, it is just as important to note here that the reduction in risk factors increased greatly the MORE a person exercised.  It is not news that exercising more reduces the risk factors of heart disease and general cardiovascular health, and as we get older the need to exercise to prevent these issues increases dramatically.

What this study does is give a great laughing point for people who need the vital help of exercise but who find some of the guidelines and expectations to be too much for them.  An adult hitting the gym three times a week and playing sports on the other days isn’t suddenly going to just drop to this 10 minutes of exercise per week – no one is wired that way.

Instead this is great information to share with perhaps a grandparent or family friend who just doesn’t see the benefits of exercise.  To that person, perhaps something as simple as walking around the block two or three times a week would be a gateway to a more exercise driven life.

The more we learn about exercise and how it helps ward of diseases, the more we need to encourage everyone in our lives to work out.  Be that vital mentor, give that vital guidance, and get everyone you know exercising for at least 10 minutes a week.  Their desire to be healthy will only grow from there.

What’s Your Opinion On Raising Children?

/in /by

Everyone has an opinion about how to raise children, even those without them. The fact is, no two kids are the same so the experience of raising children will not be the exact same for parents.  Some kids will listen and some will not, some kids will be calm and still and others will not, and some kids will need more vital guidance than others.

The Bible is one of the best resources we have for how to raise children.  Not only does it provides vital guidance about parenting children, but it also provides guidance for being a parent.  The child-rearing experience will still be different for parents but the Bible helps with their responsibility to teach a good foundation for children to thrive in the world.

Here is a short list of some of the best verses for parents and children:

“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it” comes from the Book of Proverbs.  There are a few different ways people view this verse from raising a child based on his or her talent to growing the child up in God’s Word for character and a relationship a with Him.  The latter view sees a relationship with God as more important than earthly talents.  However, the overall goal would still be to have a child with godly character who still thrives to be the best at his or her talent(s).

There are also verses about “children obey your parents” and “Fathers do not provoke your children to anger but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” in the Books of Ephesians and Colossians.  At times, it’s a natural response to be upset with children when they do not listen or have intentionally damaged something that was important to you.  However, that is when parents must fall on the vital guidance of the Fruits of The Spirit to parent in a way that is comforting and safe for children to learn from their actions.  In the end, parents will see it was just stuff that was not more important than their relationship with their children.

There is no guarantee how children will turn out as they grow up, but parents still have a responsibility to teach them right from wrong.  If you do this based on varying opinions of others then your children can’t explained why their beliefs are what they are because they were never a solid foundation. They were just the opinions of others that can readily change based on how they are feeling that day.

In the Book of Deuteronomy, the Bible says “these words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts.  And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Today, there are many ways to learn those words.  Reading, audio as well as Bible videos are available in many languages as well as at our fingertips because many of us have mobile phones.  So the next time you’re in the comfort of your home, traveling or relaxing before bedtime, read or listen to a few verses for knowledge of how to train up a child.

Rules on Opening a 529 Plan Account for College

/in /by
Year over year, participation in 529 plans continues to rise.1 Anyone can open an account, lifetime contribution limits are typically over $300,000, and there are tax benefits if the funds are used for college. Here are some vital guidance to common questions on opening an account.
Can I open an account in any state’s 529 plan or am I limited to my own state’s plan?
Answer: It depends on the type of 529 plan you have: college savings plan or prepaid tuition plan. With a college savings plan, you open an individual investment account and direct your contributions to one or more of the plan’s investment portfolios. With a prepaid tuition plan, you purchase education credits at today’s prices and redeem them in the future for college tuition. Forty-nine states (all but Wyoming) offer one or more college savings plans, but only a few states offer prepaid tuition plans.
529 college savings plans are typically available to residents of any state, and funds can be used at any accredited college in the United States or abroad. But 529 prepaid tuition plans are typically limited to state residents and apply to in-state public colleges.
Why might you decide to open an account in another state’s 529 college savings plan? The other plan might offer better investment options, lower management fees, a stronger investment track record, or better customer service. If you decide to go this route, keep in mind that some states may limit certain 529 plan tax benefits, such as a state income tax deduction for contributions, to residents who join the in-state plan.
Is there an age limit on who can be a beneficiary of a 529 account?
Answer: There is no beneficiary age limit specified in Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, but some states may impose one. You’ll need to check the rules of each plan you’re considering. Also, some states may require that the account be in place for a specified minimum length of time before funds can be withdrawn. This is important if you expect to make withdrawals quickly because the beneficiary is close to college age.
Can more than one 529 account be opened for the same child?
Answer: Yes. You (or anyone else) can open multiple 529 accounts for the same beneficiary, as long as you do so under different 529 plans (college savings plan or prepaid tuition plan). For example, you could open a college savings plan account with State A and State B for the same beneficiary, or you could open a college savings plan account and a prepaid tuition plan account with State A for the same beneficiary. But you can’t open two college savings plan accounts in the same 529 plan in State A for the same beneficiary.
Also keep in mind that if you do open multiple 529 accounts for the same beneficiary, each plan has its own lifetime contribution limit, and contributions can’t be made after the limit is reached. Some states consider the accounts in other states to determine whether the limit has been reached. For these states, the total balance of all plans (in all states) cannot exceed the maximum lifetime contribution limit.
Can I open a 529 account in anticipation of my future grandchild?
Answer: Technically, no, because the beneficiary must have a Social Security number. But you can do so in a roundabout way. First, you’ll need to open an account and name as the beneficiary a family member who will be related to your future grandchild. Then when your grandchild is born, you (the account owner) can change the beneficiary to your grandchild. Check the details carefully of any plan you’re considering because some plans may impose age restrictions on the beneficiary, such as being under age 21. This may pose a problem if you plan to name your adult son or daughter as the initial beneficiary.
What happens if I open a 529 plan in one state and then move to another state?
Answer: Essentially, nothing happens if you have a college savings plan. But most prepaid tuition plans require that either the account owner or the beneficiary be a resident of the state operating the plan. So if you move to another state, you may have to cash in the prepaid tuition plan.
If you have a college savings plan, you can simply leave the account open and keep contributing to it. Alternatively, you can switch 529 plans by rolling over the assets from that plan to a new 529 plan. You can keep the same beneficiary when you do the rollover (under IRS rules, you’re allowed one 529 plan same-beneficiary rollover once every 12 months), but check the details of each plan for any potential restrictions. If you decide to stay with your original 529 plan, just remember that your new state might limit any potential 529 plan tax benefits to residents who participate in the in-state plan.
1 Strategic Insight, 529 Data Highlights, 3Q 2018

Helping Your Pet Live A Fun & Healthy Life

/in /by

Most people enjoy the company of a pet.  Pets can bring fun, comfort and a feeling of love to owners as well as strangers.   No matter which pet you decide is best for you or your family, you should plan to invest time and money to ensure a healthy animal.  Here are some vital guidance to having a healthy pet:

Pets can become overweight if you feed them any and many times a day.   Just how most people and families have set times for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you should plan a meal time for your pet.  This can help you control calories if there need to be an increase or reduced amount of calories.

Amount and timing of meals are important, and so is the type of food.  It is vital you learn how to feed your pet a balanced, nutritious diet.  Pet stores are stocked with some of the best brands for proper nutrition like IAMS, Science Diet and Purina.   Learn which brand of food is best for your pet by paying attention to how your pet behaves after a meal as well as from consulting a veterinarian.

Along with a control diet, you should learn the best exercises for your pet.  We know walking the dog helps and putting hamsters on a running wheel helps, but there are many other ways to exercise those pets using toys and other gadgets.

However, the best way to ensure a healthy pet is to take them into a veterinarian office for annual examinations.  This will help detect problems early and can even prevent certain issues.  These annual exams could also save you a lot of money and time if they prevent emergency visits and surgeries.

During your veterinarian visits, you should learn about the required and optional vaccinations.  Some vaccinations will protect your pet against deadly diseases such as distemper, parvo and rabies.  While other preventative medicine can keep your pet free of parasites such as fleas, ticks and heartworm.   There are so many products for pets so consult your vet for vital guidance.

If you’re not a breeder, also talk to your vet about having your pet spayed or neutered to help them live a longer and healthier life.  Spaying reduces or eliminates the odds of breast cancer and dangerous uterine infections in females.  Neutering decreases prostate problems and testicular cancer in males.

Besides you being a great pet owner, all the suggestions above are the best chances of you giving your pet a long, healthy and fun life.

NFL Brandon Copeland Investing For A Better Future

/in /by

We hear stories all the time about pro athletes finding a way to lose tens of millions, and even hundreds of millions, of dollars that they have made during their career. Therefore, it’s always interesting to hear about an athlete that understands how to manage his finances.

New York Jets linebacker Brandon Copeland is one such player and it is his knowledge of the real estate market that has helped set him up for life after football. Copeland was not a player who entered the NFL with high expectations or one of the huge contracts that comes with being a high round draft pick. While the 6-foot-3, 263 pounder certainly has the size to play as an outside linebacker/defensive end hybrid in the league, the perceived lack of competition that he faced while playing at Penn saw Copeland go undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft.

After initially spending time on the practice squad of the Baltimore Ravens, Copeland landed a job with the Detroit Lions in 2015, before moving on to the Jets for the 2018 season. All that bouncing around is part of what made real estate investing so appealing to the Ivy Leaguer.

Copeland’s collegiate experience was one that seems to have set him up well to avoid the money pitfalls of most athletes. The Wharton School graduate spent a pair of summers while in school interning at an investment bank. He also spent his 2017 off-season working on Wall Street. All of those moves were made so that Copeland could get vital guidance about investing, more about real estate, and more about how to use money to make money.

It is real estate which is one of Copeland’s key focus areas when it comes to saving and investing. He opened a company in the real estate sector with his wife in 2018, a decision they came to together after spending time and energy flipping houses for profit. By expanding that hobby into a company, Copeland is able to take care of all aspects of house buying, selling, renovating, and flipping.

Despite his money smarts, it is actually some of Copeland’s relative failures that have pushed him to where he is today. A number of money mistakes in his early 20s, mistakes he share with a teammate with the same issues, have seen the linebacker go back to the classroom to teach a class called Life 101 to students. His class details how he lives on 10 to 15 percent of his NFL salary with the rest of his money dropping into long term investments like real estate.

While we may not all have the disposable capital of an NFL player, we can all learn something from Copeland and his journey. Invest smartly now, using long term strategies, to live better in the future.